Muskingum County, Ohio - Chapter 45, 1892 (part 14 of 31)

Chauncey Ford and David Stokeley were the first settlers in this vicinity. They were brothersin-law. Among the early comers was the Rose family, from which the place took its name. An old woman lived in a little cabin a few rods east of Spurgeon's and owned a small tract of land. It was "all in the bush" then, and little better than a frog pond, containing about twenty acres; it included all the space north of Noah Tanner's tavern to the spring. Dr. Little purchased it and laid it out into town lots, and thus North Roseville was started. The first bricks ever produced in Roseville were made by Thomas Moody.

Sixty-five years ago Roseville was a pretty "tough" place, and it is stated that it was a very poor Saturday when three or four fights did not occur. But the people of Roseville and the whole community adjoining were generous and kindhearted. They comprised for the most part the hardy elements of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York, and there was a slight sprinkling from New England. The "roughs" had mostly disappeared in 1845.

In the spring of 1844 Robert Alley, F. W. Howard, Ezra Bailey and others organized themselves into a committee to solicit subscriptions for a fund with which to build a horse bridge across the creek at Roseville. Enough cash and work were pledged to build a wagon bridge across a narrow part of the creek on the Brush Creek road, which was the first bridge at or near Roseville and proved a great convenience. After the Maysville pike was constructed a bridge was built by the county at James' mill. In later years Roseville made efforts to build a plank road to connect with the pike at that point. The scheme was afterward revived under the name of the Roseville and Malta Plank Road company, but failed for want of popular support. The first house of worship in this part of the country was a free-for-all-denominations edifice, and was probably erected about ten years after settlement began. Lory Ford in the reminiscences of his childhood, said the meetings were held in private houses about 1810, and gave an account of a Presbyterian preacher dressed in the old continental style of long stockings, short clothes and shoe buckles, who held forth at his The Presbyterians began to make their influence father's house. In 1837 the "Old Ironsides Bap- felt in 1849, and in 1850 built a church at Rosetists," so called, held services in the Hill church ville. The Lutherans worshiped in the township monthly. The Methodists also worshiped there quite early. The present churches here have been occasionally until they built a log church on Goshen referred to. hill, named after their early preacher of that name.

WHEN we seek to name the early settlers of this section, the names of George Swingle (who erected the first log cabin on the creek), David Butt (from Harper's Ferry, Ya.) the next, and then the Whittakers (Lewis and Lemuel) come in mind, and with these are associated those of David Stover, the Deitricks (Nicholas and Joseph), Asa Wells, the Baughmans, Henry Stainbrook, A. Buchanan and the McConnells (Thomas and John). Henry Dozer was known as a hunter, the precursor of civilization. He and a large family lived upon the results of the chase, and disappeared as the regular settler made his permanent improvement and opened the woods to the production of grain. The Dozer class of white men followed the game as it was driven before the sweep of settlement, and, enjoying the wealth of forest freedom, left to the actual settler the lands whose tillage has proved a rich heritage to their descendants of the present. The need of a saw mill was supplied by Samuel Stover, who, in 1813, built a dam across the creek and erected a structure for sawing purposes. He added a grist-mill in 1819. In 1827 and 1829 new mills replaced the primal ones upon the same sites. A small store was early started by John and Joseph Baughman; others, among whom was Gottlieb Slider, had preceded them. The need of a tanner was supplied, in 1815, by Archibald Buchanan, who lived upon the banks of Turkey run. The essential of early settlement was the worker in iron, not the simple repairer, butone who could construct entire the tools used in clearing at that time. The first was Thomas Davidson, 1813 - 44. Others were .John G. McConnell, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Harrap and Tobias Thomas. A man named Cain made this his business, and with him labored .Jesse Gibson, who, having in time learned the trade of blacksmith, followed it for many years. The first school kept in Brush Creek was within a little log cabin on the farm of Deitrick, in the year 1813. The honor of teaching the first school in this quarter, in 1814, belongs to David W oodruff Sr. , who continued in the profession for years, and taught the first schools in the village of Stovertown. He was succeeded by Thomas Rogers. George Swingle, the pioneer, was a native of Saxony, Germany, born July 4, 1750. From the age of sixteen to twenty-four he served in the German army. Then, coming to America, he located in Pennsylvania, where he married and lived until 1810, when, with his son, Nicholas, he came to this township and located on what has come to be known as the Solomon Swingle farm. Leaving his son to care for the new domain, he returned to Pennsylvania and brought out the remainder of his family, Nicholas, with what little hel}> was to be had, erecting a cabin, which was ready for their occupancy when they came. Two years later they abandoned this and moved into their just-erected first hewed log house in this territory, and they also put in some wheat, started an orchard and built a barn. Among other comers not already mentioned were Thomas Davidson, Balser Deitrick, David Woodruff, Joseph Showers, James Brown, Joseph and Lewis Hudson, John Boyd, John Worstall, John and James Hopkins, Christian Baughman, E. Longshore, David Woodruff, Martin Adams, Adam Leftler, Jacob Stainbrook, Zedekiali Butt, John Brighton, Abner Brelsford, John M. Carlisle, Robert Crook, William Thompson, Michael Wiseman, William McElhany, Abo Stainbrook Jr. and Peter Shepard. A road from the Muskingum river to the Morgan county line, dividing this township centrally from north to south, was the first through this section. The first bridge was built over Brush creek, near the .John

G. McConnell place, by John Worstall. The first carpenters in the township were the second George Swingle and Joseph Showers, and the lirst carpentering done here was for the pioneer, George Swingle. The first medical practitioner was Mrs. Dr. Addison, who, as early as 1813, went to and fro through all this forest- covered region, carrying her bags of roots and herbs and receiving a hearty welcome at the scattered firesides. Gottlieb Slider's pioneer store, opened in 1830, was on the B. F. Swingle place, near Stovertown. About 1820 Adam Leffler started a distillery on the Daniel Longstreth place. William Swingle made the first brick, which were used in the erection of the residence now of B. F. Swingle. Rev. Cornelius Springer and John Goshen preached in the double cabin of John Bingham, a deer-hunter, and at private houses until the construction of a log meetinghouse by the Lutherans and Presbyterians. In time the log was torn down and a frame erected, and owned by the Lutherans exclusively. The Methodists had preaching in the dwelling of Zedekiah Butt, by local preachers. An early marriage in the township was contracted by Michael Wingman and Maria Butt. Various interests are well represented to-day. The population is largely German and politically republican. The surface is very hilly, but the soil rich, and cultivation is rewarded by good crops. Oil wells have been sunk, and salt wells are being worked along the banks of the Muskingum. The first salt well was bored by Thomas Moorehead in 1818, on the Joshua McConnell farm. Abundance of coal is found at the hills near the river, and boats take coal from the mine direct.

In regard to the organization of this township the Commissioners' journal contains the following entry: "A petition was presented by a number of the inhabitants of Harrison township, praying that a new township be incorporated, viz. : Beginning at the southeast corner of section 31, in township number 10, in range number 13; thence north with the range line between the 13th and 14th ranges to the northwest corner of section number G, in township number 11, in the 13th range east, to the Muskingum river; thence down said river until it intersects the range line between the 12th and 13th ranges; thence south to the county line; thence west to the place of beginning; called Brush Creek township. February 10, 1817." The first justice of the peace was Samuel Whitaker.

Rev. William Foster, an Evangelical Lutheran minister, conducted religious services in Brush Creek township, 1812-18, in the dwellings of the pioneers. In 1818-19, meetings were held by Rev. Andrew Henkle and his brother Charles. In 1819 Rev. Lewis Shite, assisted by Rev. Andrew Henkle, organized a charge consisting of four or more congregations. One of these, Jerusalem church, in Morgan county, near Deavertown; one, St. John's Evangelical church, in Brush Creek; the others in Roseville and Fultonham, this county. During that year the Lutherans built a log church in Brush Creek, two miles south of Stovertown, on a site still marked by a graveyard where rest many of the pioneers. The first burial in this cemetery was that of Miss Phebe J. Swingle, daughter of John G. Swingle, in 1812. She was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, having united with it in Chambersburg, Penn., before her family removed to Ohio. Up to this time no Lutheran minister had officiated in Brush Creek. Rev. Father Goshen, of Putnam, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, well known to the old settlers of the county, was requested to officiate at the burial. The congregation was served by Rev. Samuel Kaemmerer, 1820 - 36. In 1831 a church was built by the Lutherans and Presbyterians half a mile south of Stovertown, and was the joint property of the two congregations. Rev. Amos Bartholomew was pastor, 1837-39; Rev. J. Manning, 1837-50. In 1851 the Lutherans bought a lot next to that upon » which the union church stood, and erected upon it a building for their sole use and ownership. It was a neat frame structure, and was dedicated in the fall of that year by Rev. A. J. Weddell. Rev. John Rugan was pastor, 1856-68. Rev. J. Manning again took charge of the congregation the Jerusalem, Roseville, and Fultonham churches constituting a separate charge. In 1872 dissension and discord arose in the congregation, and the pulpit was declared vacant and was regularly supplied by Rev. M. C. Horine, of the Zanesville mission. During that year quite an interesting class of catechumens was added to the church, through the labors of Mr. Horine. In 1873 the congregation, by vote, changed its former synodical relations by uniting with the English District synod of Ohio, at the same time uniting with the Zanesville mission, the two congregations forming one charge, by advice of synod. Rev. Mr. Horine resigned his charge here, and the field was again vacant. Rev. William P. Ruthrauff was pastor, 1873-76, when he died. Late in 1876 a call was extended to Rev. F. Richards, of Philadelphia, and he entered upon his duties here in November, that year, and was duly installed pastor in the spring of 1877 and has served the charge continuously to the present time. As an evidence of the labors of the pastor and the flourishing condition of the two congregations, it is necessary only to refer to the new church built near Stovertown in 1878, at an estimated cost of $5,000. There is no indebtedness, and, taken all in all, the congregation is in a more flourishing condition than at any other time in its history. The first Presbyterian organization in Brush Creek township was formed by Rev. James Culbertson in 1825. Services were held at the residence of Mrs. Turner, on the James Leasure place, for some years. In 1831 a church was erected, as has been stated, by the Presbyterians and the Lutherans. At that time Rev. Mr. Hunt was installed as pastor of the Presbyterian congregation. Following is a list of the members: Mrs. Turner, Lemuel Whitaker, Mr. and Mrs. David Woodruff, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. McConnell, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Hankinson, Mr. and Mrs. William Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. John McCandless, Mr. and Mrs. James French, Daniel Spangler, Mary Stover, and Hiram Woodruff. Antioch United Brethren church grew out of meetings held at the house of the third George Swingle, about 1830, by Rev. Royal Hastings. A cabin church was erected in 1844, on the farm of Samuel Dozer, and occupied until 1869, when the congregation took possession of a neat and adequate frame church. The original members were Henry Dozer and wife, John Barringer and wife, Samuel Dozer and wife, George Dozer and wife, Peter Stainbrook, and Kate Davis. Zoar Baptist church, composed of Samuel Bagley, Joshua Breeze, William Foster, Henry Hamrick, William Marlow, and Sarah McCurdy, was organized in Schoolhouse No. 3, on Irish Ridge, June 4, 1831. Joshua Breeze was chosen pastor. In the spring of 1833 a hewed-log church-house was erected, which, in 1859, was superseded by a frame structure. Amity Sunday-school, which has exerted a salutary influence in the township, was organized in 1831, with Lemuel Whitaker as president; William Swingle, vice-president; Adam Baughman, treasurer; John Baughman, secretary.

The only trade center in the township is Stovertown, a postoffice on the line of the Brush Creek branch of the Columbus, Shawnee & Hocking railroad, nine miles south of Zanesville; population about 100. This place was laid out in 1832. and named in honor of Samuel Stover, who was found murdered near the upper bridge in Zanesville. After his death a stock of goods came from New York addressed to him and were brought to this point, and the store thus established formed the nucleus of the present little village.

THIS township is bounded north by Monroe township, east by Guernsey township, south by Union township and west by Salem township. Following is the record of its erection and original survey; it was reduced to its present area July 2, 1819: "A petition was presented by a number of the inhabitants of the northeastern division of Muskingum county, praying that the 5th and 6th ranges, thence east to the county line, thence north to the place of beginning, may be incorporated into a new township, by the name of Highland, and the election ordered to be. held at the house of William Dennison, on the first Monday in April, 1814, to elect the necessary township officers. An idea of the original extent of the township may be gained from the fact that Mr. Dennison lived a mile and a half southwest of Adamsville, in what is now Salem township. Joseph K. McCune and -Joseph Williamson are said to have been the first justices of the peace. The central and southern parts of this township are comparatively level and

The settlement of Highland began in 1808, when Mathias Trace, from Washington county, Penn., located on the northeast one-fourth of section 11. The corresponding one- fourth of section 16 was entered by Lot Wortman; the northwest quarter of section 15 by James Honnold, from Virginia; the southwest one fourth of section 13 (on the property since occupied by P. P. Geyer) by Peter Bond, from Maryland, about 1811; the southwest quarter of section 19 (the George Fisher place) by Thomas Rambo, about two years later; section 22, or a part of it, by J. K. McCune and Alexander Mays, about 1813; the northwest one-fourth of section 19 by Edward Ostler, in 1814; the corresponding quarter of section 14 by Jacob Honnold in 1815 or 1816. In 1813 came William and John Davis, William, Peter, John and Casper Bradford; the Davises locating on section 7, the Bradfords on section 8. Among the early settlers

The advancement was so rapid in this township that in 1835 John Bradford, James Honnold and Andrew Geyer and their families were living in frame houses. A more pretentious one was erected in 1845 by Samuel Scott. Thomas Roberts built a brick house near the Bethel church in 1850. In 1815 Noah Decker built the first mill in Highland, on the northwest quarter of section 14, which was transformed from a sawmill to a distillery with a grinding attachment as a distillery auxiliary. On the northwest one-fourth of section 21, James Mc- Michael put a gristmill in operation about 1830, which gave place to a carding machine about twelve years afterward. Another early gristmill was one built in the southern part of the township by John Geyer. William Reynolds put a sawmill in operation on White Eyes creek about 1832 or 1833. Andrew Henderson's "Parker wheel" mill on this stream and Hugh Simms' mill on one of its branches, are well remembered. Mills were put in operation by James MacDonald at the Bloomfield site (later owned by Martin McLane) in 1843, by John Buchanan and Samuel Moorehead, on the southwest quarter of section 10 in 1853; and by Theophilns Wark, in 1873 - a combination grist, saw and planingmill, the most pretentious in the township. The Buchanan & Moorehead mill changed hands several times and was last operated, down to about twenty years ago, by Joseph Solders. The first public road laid out in this township was that from Cambridge to Dresden, about 1806; the second was that from the Findley milldam, south of New Concord, to the mouth of Wills creek, about nine years later. In May, 1817, Joseph K. McCune surveyed a road "from James Sprague's, in Highland township, to John Reynold's store, on the Wheeling road." The pioneer blacksmiths were Robert Baxter and James Honnold, on the Adamsville road. The first wagon was brought into the township by Peter Bond, grandfather of Peter B. Geyer. John Bell introduced fine sheep here in 1857. About 1835-45 David T. Bigger operated a small tannery on the Bloomfield and New Concord road. Dr. E. S. Wortman is said to have been the pioneer physician, before 1840. Dr. A. B. McCandless practiced here about 1850-55; Dr. R. T. Wark about 1850- 70. Dr. J. Mori'is Lane came to Bloomfield about 1848. Dr. W. G. Lane is a more recent physician. Joseph Graham kept the first store, on the Samuel Moorehead place iu 1833. Another early merchant was William Mason, east of Bloomfield, 1835-43. George Buchanan began merchandising in Bloomfield in 1848, and was succeeded by William Weylie, who built and did business in a new store, 1851-66. Thomas Forsyth began trading botween the Concord and Dresden roads in 1852. In 1854 he built the William Mintier store. In 1857 he retired. After him came Atchison & Bell, Atchison & Bro. , James Block, J. F. Warrick and Thomas McKay. The present merchants at Bloomfield are Marion F. Geyer and William B. Kelley.

David Rankin was the original owner of the town site of Bloomfield, an inland postoffice, twenty miles northeast of Zanesville, and four miles north of New Concord, the nearest shipping point. It is situated in the northeastern part of Highlaud township, and has a daily hack line to and from New Concord, its nearest banking point. Population is about 100. Thomas Clegg, William Weylie and Daniel McLane bought a few acres each, and had them surveyed into lots in 1853, by Joseph Fisher. Additions were later platted by John D. Hogseed and J. P. Lytle. John Crooks, the first postmaster here, was appointed in 1857. This place is historical as the seat of M. C. Corkle college, an institution which, though of humble origin, came to be popular and prosperous. In 1862 Rev. William Ballantiue, of the Associate Presbyterian Church, induced several young men to prepare for the ministry, and himself heard recitations in his study. Numbers increasing, the meeting-house was offered and used, and the name of Bloomfield High School bestowed. For years it continued an individual enterprise, until the first students were ready to enter the senior class. In 1868 the synod passed an act appointing Messrs. Robert Atcheson, John Bell, William Finney, Samuel McKee, Robert Hyslop. Robert Brown, A. McCreery, J. H. Johnson and John Baird a board of trustees. In 1866 the Bloomfield Academy was incorporated, and a house purchased. A college building became a necessity and J. Bell, president of the board, being appointed general financial agent, sufficient funds were raised; a foundation was laid in the fall of 1872, and the spring term of 1873 was held in the basement. A college charter was obtained on February 12, 1873, and the school became clothed with full university powers. Rev. W. Ballantine, A. M. , was elected president, James Hindman, A. B , vice president, and R. C. Kerr, A. B. , professor of languages. The college proper began existence April 3, 1873. It had an endowment of $8,000, and, including values in building, a capital of $20,000. The postoffice at this point is known as Sago. The primitive log sclioolhouse of the township was standing in 1818, and doing double duty as temple of learning and house of worship, on the northwest onefourth of section 1 1 . Later it was moved to a site further down the Cambridge road, and finally gave place to one of the three liewed-log, hexagonal buildings used in this township for school pur- poses, all of which have disappeared. Lorenzo Dow, the first teacher in this old school, was buried nearby, in 1818, his having been the first interment in what is now Bloomfield cemetery. The site of this cemetery was devoted to the citizens by Walter Hogseed. A third of an acre was added in 1879, and a deed to the whole given by James Hogseed, the area then being three and one-third acres. In 1853 Peter Bond was buried near his grandson, Peter B. Geyers. In 1878, upon the removal of his body to Bethel cemetery, it was found to be completely petrified.

The first Methodist class was organized by Rev. William Knox in 1816. A hewed log meeting house was erected in 1828, which was two years later replaced by a brick edifice. The latter was burned in 1854, and Bethel Methodist Episcopal church, a large frame building, was erected soon after. The Bloomfield Associated Presbyterian congregation was organized at the house of David Duff, by Rev. John Walker, March 20, 1818. Meetings were held in tents, one pitched near the site of the present house of worship, and a later one about a mile north of the Russell farm, till the first log church was built, in 1822, near the eastern side of the present graveyard. This was succeeded by another log structure, hewed, near the site of the present building. It was erected in 1831, and is remembered as having had two wings or additions. The third church was a frame building, erected on the present site in 1847. In 1858 the Associate Presbyterian and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian churches consolidated under the name of the United Presbyterian church. Twenty out of the 170 members of the Associate Presbyterian church declined to go into the union, and built a church for themselves in 1863, the old building having been taken by the majority.

A PETITION was presented to the county commissioners February 3, 1812, signed by a number of the inhabitants of Falls and Madison townships, asking to have a new township, to be called Hopewell, formed from their territory. Notwithstanding a remonstrance against the proposed measure was also presented, the commissioners decided to grant the petition, and ordered an election for the officers of the new township to be held at the house of John Colvin. It appears that the election was held at the house of James Rollins, instead, and without regard to this fact, the officers so elected were permitted to serve, and among them were Simon Simons and Thomas Higginbotham, justices of the peace. All that part of Falls township within the first township of the ninth range of military lands was annexed to Hopewell September 1, 1817, and February 22, 1819, that portion of Hopewell east of Licking creek was annexed to Licking township. This township is bounded north by Licking, east by Falls, south by Springfield and Newton and west by the county line. The Central Ohio railroad crosses its northeast corner, and the National road traverses the lower central portion on its westward course. Along this road, at a mile's interval, is the village of Hopewell, laid out by John and James Rickey in 1829; and the town of Mount Starling, laid out during the same year by Nathan Wilson, who the following year laid out an addition. Farther on the road is the town of Gratiot, partly in the adjoining county of Licking. Kent's run heads near the middle of the township and flows southward into Perry county. Poverty run traverses the northern portion. The Indians had not deserted this territory when the white man appeared. They finally disappeared about 1810 or earlier. A man named Hinton already lived on Poverty run when, January 1, 1806, Samuel Bonnifield located there. The latter stated that "John Carr and Joseph Jennings lived near;" his uncle, James Wilson, came soon after, and his father died there about 1808. " On our way here," lie wrote, " we stopped but a day or two in Zanesville, and also a couple of days at William's placo, which is more on the National road. Four members of a family named Faid, living up the run, died in 1806. My brother Arnold was born here in 1806. We came here in a four-horse wagon, and the trip occupied weeks, all of which time, with the exception of two nights, we camped out. A man named Hensle and his family were in our party, as was also William Wilson, an uncle and a captain in the war of 1812, who went up to Mackinaw. Hensle settled on the Flint Ridge road." Rev. Cornelius Springer, speaking of William Hamilton and his son-in-law, Rev. Robert Manley, who came from Maryland in 1806, says, " they were the two first families that settled here. They were both men of dignified and impressive characters, yet mild and conciliating. They were surrounded with such a religious atmosphere that you could not come in contact with it without feeling a desire to be better. The first thing these eminent men did in their new location was to erect the altars of religion and offer unto God in their cabins their daily and weekly sacrifices. The influence of their example was such that the early settlers around them, with scarcely an exception, embraced religion and formed the church. I think it doubtful if ever two men settled in the west have sent down upon posterity such an influence for good." In this year Major William Bonnitield, with his wife and live children, came from Shenandoah, Va., and stopped in Falls township, removing thence January 1, 1807, to the Samuel Bonnitield farm, on Poverty run. Among other families who located in this neighborhood was that of William Coffman, Curtis Willey Sr.; John Clabagh, E. B. Morgan, John Colvin and Charles -Franklin came early, as did also the Richey* Brothers, James Burley and James Boyle. Henry Winegardner, later the tavern-keeper at Mount Sterling, came in 1814 and built a cabin out of seventeen trees, and about that time came James Smith and Conrad Emeny. George Dent, who afterward gained prominence politically and otherwise, in Putnam county, 111., was a resident here with his parents as early as 1808. Frederick Beams, who came about 1812-14, owned considerable land round Mount Sterling, and John Dillon entered large tracts of land in Hopewell, and cut much wood for the furnace at Dillon's Falls. Joseph Richey, who became sheriff of the county and held other offices, came in 1830.

The first blacksmith in this township is said to have been Peter Crumrine, whose shop was near the Peter Starkey place. About 1828 Thomas Dean had a shop in " Normantown. " William Heath, who was a son-in law of William Hamilton and who came in 1814, is said to have been the first carpenter. About 1827 Francis Fresize opened the first store on the Thornsville road, just east of the Kent's run bridge. He was merchandising later near Asbury chapel and still later where Hopewell now is. The next storekeeper was Samuel Dolman, at Mount Sterling, who was in business there as early as 1832-34. In 1812

Skinn's distillery was in operation on Kent's run; in 1815, Nathaniel Richley's, on the Burley place; and about the same time, Samuel Richley's, on the Porter place. Dr. Duzenberrv, who was a pedagogue as well as a medical practitioner, came about 1812 and dealt out physic and ''taught the young idea how to shoot." Dr. E. D. Bain located north of Hopewell in 1828 and afterward removed successively to Gratiot and to Mount Sterling. Dr. Knight practiced in the township from about 1840 to 1855 or 1856. The first regular school was taught in 1814, in what is now District No. 1, by Abraham Frey. The township was divided into school districts in 1835 or earlier. The nearest gristmills were at Zanesville and Dillon's Falls, until 1814, when a small gristmill was erected on Kent's run, which was still in operation six years later. On Poverty run, near Bonnifields, there was another early grinding mill. On the Licking county line, Adam Smith had a mill in operation at an early date and Jacob Martin had a combination grist and sawmill or Kent's run. A man named Reese built the first saw mill in the town, however, on Kent's run above Colvin's. John Colvin set out an orchard in 1814, and Henry Winegardner planted another t in 1817. The next year he planted peach stones, procured in Perry county. The first pottery of which information can be gained was started by Mr. Burley in the neighborhood of Mount Sterling. One Casteel, so it is said, started another in 1822 and sold it to John Burley in 1825. It burned down in 1827 or later and was rebuilt about 1830. It gave place to a more modern establishment in 1875. Allen & Son, of Mount Sterling invented and for a time manufactured earthenware coffins at Mount Sterling. In 1825 Daniel Drumm made millstones in this township, which gained popularity as the "Flint Ridge buhr stones." About fifty years ago tanneries were built at Mount Sterling and Gratiot, but never became established. The old Henderson tannery, started about 1835, was bought in 1854 by George Rutledge, who in 1866 sold it and it became the Van Allen pottery.

Upon the completion of the national road through the township a postoffice was established at Hopewell, but without change of name, it was later moved to Mount Sterling. There has for about sixty-two years been a movable postoffice at Gratiot, which has been kept part of the time in Muskingum county, part of the time in Licking. There are postoffices also at Pleasant Valley and Cottage Hill. Henry Winegardner kejit tavern on the national road at Mount Sterling about 1829. Soon afterward Henry Blair opened a public house on the opposite side of the street. The first road through the township was the Cooper mill road laid out in 1808. The National road was the next,

Cut in one of the stones forming the wall of the culvert over the run at Burley's is the following inscription : " Built A. D. 1830, by C. Niswanger ; James Hainpson, superintendent ; D. Scott, assistant. The Policy of the Nation : ' Reciprocity at

Home and Abroad.' " The first thresher owned in the township was made at West Zanesville by John Van Horne and brought to Hopewell by Frederick Beams in U337. It was a horse power affair of peculiar construction. In 1845 Louis Ijams brought in some merino sheep. Others to bring in and breed fine sheep were Le Roy Robinson, the Pryors, George Pollock, George Campbell and Samuel Campbell.

The primitive graveyard was opened on the old Reamy place. The Bonnifield and the Beulah graveyards contain the remains of numerous pioneers, some of whom died at an advanced age.

The Predestinarian Baptists built a church in 1832, on land belonging to Robert Bolin, which came to be known as the Timber Run Baptist church. Hericon Lodge No. 192, I. O. O. F., was organized February 23, 1852, at Brownsville and subsequently removed to Gratiot. A. R. Jordan was its first noble grand, John G. Bain its first vice grand and Parson Gee its first secretary.

THIS township is bounded on the north by Rich Hill township, on the east by Noble county, on the south by Morgan county, and on the west by Blue Rock township, and consists of an entire congressional township of thirty-six sections. It was named from Meigs creek, and that in honor of Gov. Meigs, of Marietta. This stream drains the southwestern part. The southeastern part is drained by Dyes' fork, of the same creek. The northeastern part is drained by Collins' fork, of Wills' creek. The northwestern part is drained by Kent's creek. These streams have cut deep ravines through the lime and sandstones and lower coal measures, and divide the hill}' and uneven surface into several noteworthy elevations. High Hill rears its summit 1,375 feet above sea level, and is the source, within a space of 200 yards, of branches of Wills, Meigs, Kent's and Salt creeks. It is said that twelve counties are visible from its summit. Under date of July 13, 1819, the following enactment is recorded in the journal of the county commissioners: "A petition was presented to the commissionerspraying fora division of Rich Hill township. The commissioners, therefore, enacted the twelfth original surveyed township, in the eleventh range, to be a separate township called Meigs township. The qualified electors to meet at the house of Zoath Hammond on the last Saturday of the present month to choose township officers." Zoath Hammond lived on the northeast quarter of

The nameless and roving Indian traversed the hills and valleys pursuing the game and camping upon the banks of the stream. His departure left the face of nature unchanged. The settler came, and the impress of his presence is known by growing orchards, cleared fields, and time-worn cabins. Who were the early settlers of Meigs? Yet a few years and none can answer. One of their venerable survivors answers for them as follows: Finley Collins was a pioneer inhabitant of the northeast corner of the township. Near what is known as High Hill dwelt Gillogly with a large family of sons, some of whom are known as Meigs' leading farmers. L. Pierce is claimed as an old settler and early justice. Charles Gilbaut settled near a high portion of land, to which his name is given. Gilbaut's Hill is in the north of the township. Gil bant was a Frenchman, and interested himself in sinking a salt well near the hill some time in 1825. Joseph Johnson, from Pennsylvania, a former soldier, settled on section 7 as early as 1810. John Mclntire, from the same state, was known as a worthy old settlor of Rich Hill. The Staritts, James and Joseph, long known and highly respected, have passed away. The Dunlaps, the Sevalls, and the Doans were early settlers in the southern part of Meigs. Goods were first sold in the township by Squire Gilbeaut, where is now the store of Chapman & Gillogly, kept by the latter since 1855. At Zeno postoffice is a store kept by William Ewing. A commendable liberality has been shown in educational and religious affairs. The construction of early churches, where the labor could be done by combined effort, was a speedy work. Most were the result of subscription, and the work went tardily forward. Each line church is a standing monument to the enterprise of one or more of the township's liberal citizens. Times have changed and business has become settled. The days of speculation in the township are past. The trappers and hunters, the tavern-keepers and stage- drivers, the land speculators and town proprietors, have moved westward or settled quietly down to realities. The excitement of the " Silver Mine" is a legend hardly believed by those who hear the story, and the long, wearisome journeys for provisions, the shifts and the deprivations of the settlers, are a constant surprise. On the northeast quarter of section 0 David Stevens, in 1808, built a cabin over a large chestnut stump, that served as a table, upon which, it is said, no less personages than Gen. Cass, Bishop Asbury and Gov. Meigs dined at one time and another. The Zanesville and Marietta road was the first road surveyed through this township. The ' ' Old Federal Trail " was another early highway here. The first hewed-log house was erected by Archibald Bowles. John P. Farrell built the first frame house; William Yanger the first frame barn. Casper Hallenbeck erected the first brick house, on the David De Long place, on the Zanesville and Marietta road, about 1832-33. About 1815 Thomas C. Gilkison built the first tannery, on Collins fork, and later sold it to Chauncey De Long. The first store was opened at Lytlesburg (now Meigsville) by John P. Farrell. Later more pretentious stores were opened, at Lytlesburg by George Lytle, at High Hill by William E. Walker. A Mrs. Harkness taught the first school in the northeastern part of the township about 1814. It is related that Miss Hannah Bliss taught a school at 50 cents a week, and accepted feathers and maple sugar in payment. Benjamin B. Seamans began to make wagons in the township soon after 1815. The pioneer blacksmith was Levi Thomas. The first distiller was William Dye. Joseph Reasoner built a gristmill on Collins fork before 1825. John McGlashen started a fulling mill about 1830. Th is establishment was enlarged by the addition of a cardingmill, and for a time was operated by William Yanger. Jacob Onslatt built a sawmill on one of the branches of Meigs creek shortly subsequent to 1830. Before the war of the rebellion there was much difficulty in Meigs, both politically and in the schools, between the white and the black residents there. Eventually a separate school was provided for the colored children. Dr. Clark, of Morgan county, was the first physician who practiced his profession among the people of Meigs. Drs. Dalton and Wilson came, but did not remain long. Dr. Joseph Register came in 1842, Dr. Charles Hurd in 184(5, Dr. James Gillogly in 1847, and others have followed or succeeded them, among the number Drs. Spring and Marshall.

Meigsville is situated in the southwest quarter of section 27, and was laid out by Gilbert Bishop in 1840, and William Betz platted an addition six years later. Zeno is an inland postoffice in the western part of Meigs township, twenty-one miles from Zanesville, and six and one-half miles from Gaysport; Merriam station is its nearest shipping point. It has a daily mail from Gaysport. Museville is a postoffice near the central part of Meigs township, twenty-one miles southwest of Zanesville, and six miles from Cumberland, from which it has a daily mail. Coal is found in considerable quantities. Cumberland, six miles distant, on the B., Z & O. R. R. , is the nearest shipping point. High Hill is a postoffice, so called from the name of a hill near by, that is supposed to be the second highest point in Ohio. It is situated in the northwestern part of Meigs township, seventeen miles southeast of Zanesville, and four miles from Spratt on the B., Z. & C. R. R., its nearest shipping station, and has a daily mail. Coal is found here in abundance. In 1845 a postoffice was established at Lytlesburg (Meigsville), with William Betz as postmaster, and another at High Hill in charge of C. J. Gibeaut. The postoffice at Museville was established in 1853, with Henry Onslatt as postmaster; the one at Coal Hill in 1876, with Jesse Frazier in charge. In July, 1863, occurred Morgan's historic raid, if such it can be called, in which Meigs township was on the line of march.

About sixty-two years ago the people in the southwest part of the township erected a " union" meetinghouse on the farm of Philip Yanger, which was used by all denominations until 1846, when Rev. John Arthur organized a Presbyterian society which acquired the building and the interest in it and its site of Mr. Yanger. At the establishment of the High Hill Presbyterian church, in 1878, the society transferred to the Methodists the right to occupy the old church house, still retaining its ownership. The Salem Methodist Episcopal church is the outgrowth of a class formed under the leadership of John Crawford, in 1820. The first house of worship was built in 1830, and gave place to the present one in 1853. This is the oldest religious organization in the township. A class was formed at Lytlesburg at a comparatively early date, which developed into the Lytlesburg Methodist Episcopal church, whose house of worship was built in 1854. In 1852 meetings were held in Schoolhouse No. 5 by Rev. Thomas Shepherd (Baptist), and in Schoolhouse No. 6 by Revs. J. Winters and Benjamin Thomas of the same denomination, resulting in additions to the old Rich Hill and Brookfield churches, seven of whom were formed into a society called the western branch of the Brookfield church. A frame meetinghouse was built in 1853. Six years later a separate organization was effected under the name of the Ark Spring Baptist church, with Rev. Washington Glass as pastor. A class of white and colored Methodists was formed at Lazarus Marshall's, in the southeast corner of the township, in 1824, which met in private houses for twelve years, when a few log churches were built on section 24, which was called Wesley chapel. Race difficulties led to the withdrawal of the Africans, in 1843, who built a hewed log church on section 23, which was burned in 1854. In 1857 a frame church was built on the same site which came to be known as Pleasant Hill Methodist Episcopal church (colored). After the disruption the Wesley Chapel society declined.

THIS township, organized in 1812 from the " Military district " and named in honor of Commodore Perry, is bounded north by Salem, east by Union, south by Salt creek and Wayne, and west by Washington. The surface is undulating; the soil is limestone clay with sand and yields good crops. The township is drained by Salt creek and Little Salt creek, White Eyes run and numerous smaller streams. The National pike was completed through the township in 1829. The Central Ohio division of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad crosses the township with a station at Sonora.

James Brown Sr., sometimes called Luke Brown, is credited with having been the first settler within the borders of Perry township. He had come out from Massachusetts to Waterford, Washington county, but in 1801 built a cabin and opened a tavern on Salt creek at the crossing of the old Zane trace. He had some means and much intelligence and these gave him a prestige that made him a formidable competitor to Isaac Prior, who kept a public house farther west on the road. Just west of Mr. Brown, James Comstock settled in 1801. In 1807 came Abraham and Reuben Gabriel, father and son, from Franklin county, Penn. Buying 500 acres of land in the Johnson 4,000 acre purchase, they located where the R. H. Atkinson place was afterward known. The Samuel Bowers place was settled the same year by Atnasa Davis. About this time John Echelberry, from Green county, Penn., entered the northeast quarter of section 0, bill being unable to pay for it, he sold it, about four years later, to George Border, and made a new home for himself on the southwest quarter of the same section. In 1807 Jacob Livingood came to this township from Washington township, and located in section 12. It is believed that Joseph Dicker located on section 9 in 1808. John Wartenbee, from West Virginia, located on section 22 in 1810. Peter Livingood located on the Howard Dunn place, on the "trace" in 1810; Jacob Van Pelt on the George Little place; Simon Menvin on the Elijah Eaton place; Philip Baker on the Irvin Winn place; Christopher Schuck on the northwest quarter of section 9; James Brown Jr., on the northeast quarier of section 20; Alexander Armstrong, from Ireland, on the "trace." About the same time came Samuel ConnaAvay. In 1811 Aaron Vernon, from Washington township, located on the northeast quarter of section 5; one Harris, from Pennsylvania, on the northwest quarter of section 20; Mr. Engel on the northeast quarter of section 10, on the "trace. " The Zane trace, called also the " Old Wheeling road, " enteredthis township on section 20 and passed out near the southwest corner. As was natural, the pioneers located along this road. The first, cabin was that of James Brown Sr. , erected in 1802. Eli Walls built the first brick house in 1819. The next was Kaufman's, built in 1820 and afterward occupied by Michael Sauerbaugli. The first tavern of James Brown Sr., opened in 1802, has been referred to. His son, Major James Brown, also kept tavern on the Wheeling road in 1810 and later. James Brown opened the first store on the Wheeling road in 1834; six years later, Philip Bastian opened one on the National road, west of Bridgeville, which has had numerous proprietors down to the present time. Jacob Wisecarver, who lived on Peter Livingood's land, southwest of where Sonora now is, was the primitive blacksmith, about 1811. By some it is claimed that the operations of Amasa Davis, another disciple of Vulcan, antedated those of Wisecarver. The earth was first opened in the township to receive the remains of one of its pioneers in 1808, when Abraham Gabriel died and was buried on the George Orr place. The first marriage was that of Christopher Schuck and Mary Livingood. The ceremony was performed by Christian Spangler. The first log schoolhouse was erected on the Comstock place, and Simon Merwin, who was the first teacher, taught in 181 1. Soon after he came (1807) Jacob Livingood built a sawmill and gristmill on Salt creek on section 12. In 1810 John Wartenbee built a small sawmill on Salt creek, in the southwest quarter of section 22. In 1812 he he built a small gristmill. The Livingoods later built several mills on Salt creek, but one after another they all fell into disuse and eventually disappeared. Dr. J. S. Halderman was the first resident physician in the township.

in 1852. Evan Crane was the first postmaster. The office was established in 1 855. Sonora has a population of about 200, and the usual variety of business places and small manufacturing interests, with good telegraph, express and railway facilities. The postoffice at Bridgeville was established twenty-two years earlier. Andrew Hughes was the primitive postmaster. The population of this hamlet is about seventy live.

The Wesley Methodist Episcopal church grew out of a class formed in 1808, of which John W. Spry was class leader. Until 1816 the meetings were held from house to house. Then they were held in a log schoolhouse until 1823, when a hewed-log meetinghouse was built on the Bowers place, for many years called the ''Bowers Meetinghouse." A frame church was erected near Sonora in 1846. The Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1827, by Rev. Joseph Carper. A hewed-log, plastered and weather-boarded church was built the following year. In this structure Rev. Gilbert Blue preached the first sermon. Rev. Samuel Kaemmerer formed a class at George Border's about 1830. George Border and Robert Dickinson deeded an acre of land to the organization for church uses, on which a log house of worship was erected. In 1856 another plat of ground just east of the old site was secured from John Culbertson, on which a frame church was built, which was dedicated by Rev. James Ryan and Rev. A. Bartholomew.

FORMERLY a part of Newton township, the first election in Springfield as such was held at David Harvey's tavern. June 21, 1803, resulting in the election of the following officers: Dr. Increase Mathews, clerk ; John Mathews, David Harvey and Isaac Zane, trustees; Robert McBride and David Beam, overseers of the poor; Seth Carhart and Thomas Cordry, fence- viewers; David Beam and William Bevunt, appraiser's of houses; Thomas Dowden, lister of taxable property; Henry Northrop, Henry Crooks, John Chandler, George Beymer and Hans Morrison, supervisors of roads; Jo- seph Jennings, constable. The township was formally organized at this meeting. The next election was held April 1, 1805, at the house of Thomas Dowden. The original boundary of Springfield was thus recorded: "Beginning at the mouth of Licking river, on the south side; thence up said river to a point where it intersects the base or military line; thence west along said line six miles from the. place of beginning (bounded on the north by Falls township and a small portion of Hopewell township); thence south three and three-quarter miles (bounded on the west by Hopewell and a small portion of Newton township); thence east six miles, south one-half mile, and east one mile, to the Muskingum river (being bounded on the south by Newton and a small portion of Brush Creek township); thence up the Muskingum river to the place of beginning. " At this time Springfield is bounded north by Hopewell and Falls, east by Zanesville, Wayne and the river, south by Newton and Brush Creek and west by Hopewell and a small portion of Newton. The surface of this township is generally rolling, the valleys being fertile to a degree. Thompson's run and its tributaries, Jonathan's creek, Chapman's run, Shawnee run and more insignificant streams supply adequate drainage. The Muskingum touches the eastern border.

David Stokely built his cabin near the site of the Putnam foundry in the spring of 1799. July 3 he married Abigail Hurlbut and on the 6th brought her to his pioneer home. When the lands were sold he was unable to buy so large a tract, and they passed into the possession of Dr. Increase Mathews, who associated with him his cousin, as elsewhere stated. In 1805 Mr. Stokely moved south of Jonathan's creek, and there lived until his life closed, forty-odd years afterward. The following was written some years since, of the pioneer period in this township:

"We have in Springfield a record of early settlement and of the well-known founders of Putnam. In 1801 the land on which that beautiful suburb stands was purchased at Marietta. There were three men associated in the purchase - Increase Mathews, Rufus Putnam, and Levi Whipple. These laid out a town and named it Springfield, and in 1802 several houses were erected. Andrew Crooks lived from 1799 to 1804 on the land back of where South Zanesville or Natchez now is, that was later entered and occupied by Gen. Isaac Van Horne. Adam Fronce was the first farmer resident upon the land known as Springfield township. He was succeeded by John Springer, who, in 1806, emigrated from Western Virginia and settled in the woods of Springfield, four miles west of Zanesville. He bought of John Mclntire a portion of the original section 16, in this township, at $4 an acre, before it was appropriated by congress to school purposes. His son, Jacob Springer, was married to Catharine Stover, December 12,1812. Prior to this date Mr. Springer's three sons had cleared one hundred acres of land, excepting eleven acres. Jacob Springer, a well known and prominent citizen, sett led in the woods, on a quarter section adjoining the homo tract. Abner James cleared for himself and family a home in the woods in the southwest part of the township. Among other cotemporary backwoodsmen, George M. Crooks recalls the names of Dr. Rodman, William Hibbs, John Fogles and Cornolius Kirk. Few now liv ing can recall these names and link them with the busy, laborious scenes of frontier life. Among early justices in Springfield John Springer held a leading place. The first school was taught in a building on the hill near Natchez. Daniel Dimmick is remembered as the first instructor. Another of the pioneer schools was taught in Putnam by one who bore the name of Jennings. It is said that many of the backwoods teachers were old countrymen, and very savage in their treatment of the wild, robust youth of that day. The first tavern was kept in Springfield by Crooks, one of Muskingum's first white occupants. Dr. Mathews was the first merchant and the first physician in Put nam, and Jacob Reagan was the first blacksmith. He moved from Newton, and found useful labor in making bells for cows and horses, which, running free in the woods, were recognized and found by their sound. The youth of to-day know little of the trials of the border settlements in hunting strayed stock, and more than once the boys met with bears and wolves while on this duty."

John and George Mathews put the first gristmill in operation here in 1799, which, as are some other matters here touched upon, is referred to elsewhere more in detail. Sawmills were built by John Sharp, for the Spring Hill company, in 1801-02; by Levi Whipple in 1802. In 1804 Whipple added a gristmill. The Levi Whipple flourmill in Putnam was built by the Spring Hill company in 1803. In 1804 Mr. Crooks opened a wagon road along the Zane trace, from Zanesville, about nine miles to the crossing of Jonathan's creek in Newton township, and opened a tavern that was a well-known public house for many years. A line of stages was put on this road by William Beard in 1821, to connect with the Wheeling and Chillicothe stage line, which was established by John S. Dugan in 1817. John Mathews built a large flouringmill about half a mile above the mouth of Jonathan's creek, and about the same time a saw mill near by. In 1810 he started a distillery. William Simmons is said to have put the first brick kiln in operation, near the fair ground site, in 1807. Jacob Reese built a distillery on his farm about 1820, and about the same time Dr. Mathews engaged in growing fine-wooled sheep. The National road was opened through this township in 1828; the Zanesville and Maysville pike about ten years later. The Pataskala mills, in the northeastern part of the township, date from 1830, and were put in operation by Isaac Dillon. The "Western," afterward the "Methodist Recorder," established July 18, 1833, by Rev. Cornelius Springer, was the only paper ever published in this township. Its history is interwoven with that of the literature of the church it represents. A postoffice was established in 1839 in the "Western Recorder" office, at "Meadow Farm," Mr. Springer's home, six miles west of Zanesville, and Mr. Springer was appointed postmaster. It was discontinued in 1845. The Cincinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville, afterward the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley railroad, was built across the east end of this township in 1854, and leading citizens of Putnam were prominent contributors toward the enterprise. Fire clay, coal, iron, blue limestone and sandstone are found in Springfield.

frame church was built about 1835, largely through the influence of Mr. Wylie, in consequence of which Mr. Wylie's son, Abraham, facetiously called the building " Solomon's Temple, " a name that clung to it long afterward. A Sunday-school was organized in 1838. The present house of worship was erected about 1855. Revs. William Ivans and Cornelius Springer were the early preachers here.

The Springfield Association for the Recovery of Stolen Horses was organized in 1833, with Jacob Reese as president, and Edward Rex as treasurer. Other members were Anthony Smith, John Fogle and Samuel Seamans.

THE area embracing Jefferson and Cass townships was undivided municipally until 1853, when Cass was formed from Jefferson, which had been organized for many years previously. The earliest record extant of the election of township officers in Jefferson reads as follows: " Agreeable to an election held at the house of Henry North rup, on the first Monday in April, 1805, for the purpose of electing town officers for the township of Jefferson, there were elected the following persons: Trustees, Seth Carhart, Valentine Johnson and Isaac Cordray; overseers of the poor, John Walmsley, James Sprague; fence viewers, James Wilcox and William Elben; listers and appraisers, Peter Reasoner and Jacob Jackson; supervisors of highways, Henry Northrop and James Tanner. " John Cain was at that time town clerk. February 15, 1806, Isaac Cordray was elected a justice of the peace, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Seth Carhart; and April 1, 1809, Joseph Scott was elected a justice of the peace without any op position.

April 1, 1852, at a special election held in and for Jefferson township, it was voted to issue to the Steubenville & Indiana Railway company township bonds aggregating $100,000 to aid in the construction of its road, now familiarly known as the Pan Handle; to bear 7 per cent, interest payable semi-annually on the first days of January and July, and to mature January 1, 1862. This issue was soon taken up and burned by the township trustees, because the county auditor refused to register and sign them officially. The trustees reissyed these bonds July 22, 1852, as set forth in the extract from the official record given below: "After due consideration, the trustees took up and destroyed by fire the said $100,000 of bonds and executed and delivered to the said railroad company, in lieu thereof 100 bonds of $ 1,000 each, and numbered to 1,000 consecutively, and dated them the same as the former issue to wit: April 1, 1852.'.' Out of the nine of these bonds grew the trouble which a little more than a year later resulted in the division of the township. At the special election held to vote for and against the issue of these bonds, 340 votes were cast" for '' and 144 "against." The voters of Dresden were almost unanimously in favor of the nine. The farmers throughout the township opposed it, and they obtained an idea that by dividing the township and setting up an independent township, they could escape any liability on account of the bonds, leaving all responsibility upon those who should live in what would still be Jefferson township. But though the form er party organized Cass, they did not throw off their liability, and that issue of bonds eventually cost the townships of Jefferson and Cass about $200,000. Following is a copy of the record of the division of the township, which appears under date Tuesday, September 6, 1853: "The commis- sioners resumed the consideration of the matter relating to the erection of a new township out of the territory comprising Jefferson township, and order that a new township shall be erected out of said territory, to be known by the name of Cass township and to contain territory agreeably to the petition in relation to the same, which petition included the whole of Jefferson township, excepting the district included within the following boundaries, viz. : Commencing on the Muskingum river, below Dresden, at a point where the southeast corner of Charles Dickenson's land and the northeast corner of Thompson Ferrell's land unite, being on the east boundary of Jefferson township, running thence west on the line between said Dickenson and Ferrell's land, to the southeast corner of George W. Lane's land, being lot number 17; thence north to the center of Wakatomaka creek; thence down said creek, in the center thereof, to the eastern boundary of Jefferson township; thence along said eastern boundary, down the Muskingum river to the place of beginning. The commissioners caused notices to be written and sent by James Morgan, with directions to put them up in three of the most public places within the new township of Cass; which notices appointed the 19th day of the present month for the electors to meet at the school house in subdistrict No. 5, in part of Jefferson township this day formed by the commissioners of Muskingum county in the aforesaid new township of Cass, for the purpose of electing persons having the qualifications of electors to fill the several offices of said newly formed township." The officers of Cass township for 1854 were: Maxwell Mc- Cann and Alexander Struthers, trustees; D. D. Mc- Ginnis, clerk; Richard Morgan, treasurer; William K. Burch, constable; J. S. Tremley, justice of the peace; William Cass, Carter Garret, William Butler, Daniel Wolford, Thomas Morgan, D. Pence and John Holmes. Cass is bounded north by the county line, east by Madison and Jefferson, south by Muskingum and west by Jackson. Jefferson, the smallest township in the county, is bounded north by Dresden, east by Madison and south and west by Cass.

Near Dresden was a large Shawanese town called Wakatomaka. The graveyard was extensive, and when white settlement began the remains of cabins were still visible. The following narrative of an expedition against Wakatomaka has been reserved to add interest to this portion of this work: " Under command of Col. Angus McDonald, 400 men were collected from the western part of Vir ginia, by the order of the Earl of Dunmore, the then governor of Virginia. The place of rendezvous was Wheeling, sometime in the month of June, 1 774. They went down the river in boats and canoes to the mouth of the Captina, from thence by the shortest route to the Wakatomaka town, about sixteen miles below the present Coshocton. The pilots were Jonathan Zane, Thomas Nicholson and Tady Kelly. About six miles from the town the army were met by a party of Indians to the number of forty or fifty, who gave a skirmish by way of ambuscade, in which two of our men were killed and eight or nine wounded. One Indian was killed and several wounded. It was supposed that several more of them were killed, but they were carried off. When the army came to the town it was found evacuated, the Indians had retreated to the opposite shore of the river, where they had formed an ambuscade, supposing that the party would cross the river from the town. This was immediately discovered. The commanding officer then sent sentinels up and down the river, to give notice in case the Indians should attempt to cross above or below the town. A private in the company of Capt. Cresap, of the name of John Hargus, one of the sentinels below the town, displayed the skill of a backwoods sharpshooter. Seeing an Indian behind a blind, across the river, raising up his head at times, to look across the river, Hargus charged his rifle with a second ball and taking deliberate aim passed both balls through the neck of the Indian. The Indians dragged off the body and buried it with the honors of war. It was found the next morning and scalped by Hargus. Soon after the town was taken, the Indians from the opposite shore sued for peace. The commander offered them peace on condition of their sending over their chiefs as hostages. Five of them came over the river and were put under guard as hostages. In the morning they were marched in front of the army over the river. When the party had reached the western bank of the Muskingum, the Indians represented that they could not make peace without the presence of the chiefs of the outer towns, on which one of the chiefs was released to bring in the others. He did not return in the ajipoiuted time. Another chief was permitted to go on the same errand, who in like manner did not return. The party then moved up the river to the next town, which was about a mile above the first and on the opposite shore. Here we had a slight skirmish with the Indians, in which one of them was killed and one of our men wounded. It was then discovered that during all the time spent in negotiation the Indians were employed in removing their women and children, old people and effects, from the upper towns. The towns were burned and the corn cut up. The party then returned to the place from which they set out, bringing with them the three remaining chiefs, who were sent to Williamsburg. They were released at the peace the succeeding fall. The arinv were out of provisions before they loft the towns, and had to subsist.

Seth Adams and Maj. Jonathan Cass came to this territory in 1799. Maj. Cass located 4,000 acres of land, consisting of forty warrants of 100 acres each. He brought his family in 1801 and lived here until his death in 1830, aged seventyseven. Of his three sons, Lewis, George W. and Charles L. Cass, the first became one of the eminent men of his time. George lived quietly on the original Cass farm and died there in 1873, aged eightyeight. He was often urged to accept important trusts and public offices, but persistently declined. His son, Dr. Edward Cass, of Dresden, is well known in the county and beyond its limits. The third served his country in the War of 1812, and in recognition of his gallantry at the battle of Fort Erie the citizens of Zanesville presented him with a sword. He died in 1842. His daughter, Mary E. Cass, became Mrs. Adams, of Dresden. The remains of Maj. Jonathan Cass, the pioneer, were, in 1875, removed by Dr. Edward Cass to the Dresden cemetery and buried at the spot marked by the Cass family monument. Beneath his name is this inscription : " He was a soldier at the battle of

Bunker Hill ; an officer of the Revolution, and of the army which, under Gen. Wayne, gave peace to the frontier. From New England he emigrated to this part of the wilds of the Northwest territory. On the military land he purchased he lived a peaceful and quiet life thirty years, until death claimed him for a victim." Isaac Cordray and his son George came soon after. In 1812 Mordecai Ogle located half a mile northeast of Dresden. In 1804 George Dowell came. Joseph Bryant and Daniel Stillwell came in 1818. About two years later came the Wilsons - Simeon and Leonard. Among other early settlers were Peter D. Rea soner and Daniel, Joseph and James Norris. William Birch settled on Tomaka creek in 1808. The land being in large tracts and means limited, people settled in choice spots and some of them were known as squatters ; among these were James Slaughter, Frank Stafford, Richard Tilton and others. These people built a row of log cabins at the present site of Preston and had quite a pioneer village. As early as 1812 a ferry was established across the Muskingum by Daniel Stillwell. It has been stated by Enos Devore that a mill stood on the site of the salt well at Dresden as early as 1802. George Wilson ran a sawmill at an early day, and in 1801 a large flourmill was erected at Dresden by E. and G. W. Adams. The first road was laid out in 1803 from Zanesville to Coshocton through Dresden. Peter D. Reasoner was the primitive tanner in 1818. Joseph F. Munroe is credited with having opened the first store and established the first distillery. John Parker kept the first public house. It stood below Preston on the river and was maintained for years. Meetings for worship were held first by Presbyterians at Stillwell. Churches were not known till the erection of one at Preston in 1830. School interests were indicated in 1820 by the use of a discarded cabin, in which the daughter of Reasoner, Miss Catharine, was the introductory school mistress. While she formed the infant mind by patient repetitions, her father held the reins of office, having been chosen the first justice of the peace, and holding the office for life. Among the first births in Cass township, occurring in 1805, were those of Harmon Reasoner and John Stillwell.

Peter Bainter was a resident of Jefferson township in 1800 ; he was employed by Cass, and brought the first wheat from below at Waterford. The crop grew finely and the family anticipated a treat of bread from wheat Hour, but the wheat proved diseased or "sick" and was of no use. Laban Lemert started a distillery in 1822 and a store in 1826. Otlio Miller and Jacob Houser were of the pioneer knights of the forge. Before 1820 a mill was built for grinding grists on Wakatomaka creek by George Gerty. The millwright was Stiles Silliman. The next mill was by Henry Roop; its destiny fulfilled, it long ago passed away. Later mills were built and run by Adams Brothers. Wyllis Silliman built at Dresden a carding machine. Henry Roop started a distillery in 1832, and other necessities of this character followed after and ran their course. The first salt well was at Silliman's, bored in 1817. The primal sclioolhouse at Dresden - natural, round logs - was occupied first by John Ingham. Wyllis Silliman, son-in-law of Maj. Jonathan Cass had a saw and gristmill in operation on Wakatomaka creek, near the present railroad bridge, some time before 1806. John Cordray opened a tavern in a log house on the site of the Akeroyd house before 1818. It was later kept by Abraham Smith, who also taught school. Munroe's distillery was in operation before 1819. Peter D. Green was another early tavern keeper. About three years later Laban Lemert had a distillery. Henry and Benjamin Roop, of Buffalo, N. Y., were extensive distillers here in 1833. Dr. Benjamin Webb was practicing medicine here before 1819 and was succeeded by his son, Dr. Nathan Webb. Dr. Francis Fowler, the second pioneer physician, came before 1825. Dr. Brown practiced about that time at Dresden. About 1816 to 1818 Seth Adams built a log house in Dresden, on the G. Reasoner lot, a portion of which stood to connect the present with the past. About the same time Laban Lemert also erected a log house there. He opened a store at the same time. Other early merchants were John Jacobson and David Wilson, the last mentioned of whom began business in 1827. Joseph F. Munroe and Maj. Jonathan Cass were the first to plant fruit orchards prior to 1815. Maj. Cass built the first brick house. Another early brick house was built by Mr. Munroe on the river road. Seth Adams had a "corn cracker" mill on Wakatomaka creek about 1804. In 1832 Hugh F. Hogan built a saw and gristmill on the Frazeysburg road, about four miles west of Dresden. Later it was the property of John and David Lovett and was known as Lovett's mill. They sold it to James Pryor and it was known as Pryor's mill until its demolition in 1875. Another early miller was A. M. Eisenhouse. Morgan Morgan, from Maryland, was an early weaver.

Among the most skillful and influential physicians and surgeons of the county is Dr. Edward Cass, a native of this township, born in 1830. After completing his academic education he devoted his attention to his chosen profession, and studied medicine under his brother, Dr. A. L. Cass, of this place. He subsequently took a regular course in the Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia, from which institution he graduated in 1854. Chiefly, since that time, lie has been in the enjoyment of a successful practice in this place and has taken an active interest in progressive science and public affairs.

Dr. D. A. Austin is a native of Clinton county, this state, where he was born in 1823. After completing his education he studied medicine under Dr. John W. Scroggs, of Harveysburg, Warren county, and graduated from the Eclectic Medical college, of Cincinnati, in 1849. He first com menced practice in Iowa, in May, 1850, but in 1854 came to this place, where he has secured liberal public consideration and practice.

In the early days of canal and steamboat supremacy in shipping facilities Dresden sprung into existence, and for many years was one of the leading trade conters of Ibis section of the state. Upon the opening of railroads, and for some years afterward, its prestige was to a large degree interfered with and its trade became considerably restricted. The building of the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley railway through this place had a reviving tendency, and for the past few years especially have the advantages of this beautiful location and picturesque surroundings attracted renewed attention. To day it holds a leading place as the most flourishing town in the county outside the county seat, and is attracting citizens to it from the metropolis of the county.

Dresden is situated at thehead of navigation on the Muskingum river, and, with the contemplated improvements in that beautiful stream, for securing navigation during all seasons of the year, and the fact that this is the most feasible route for ship canal from the lakes to the Ohio river, indicates a most promising future for this place as a residence, business and manufacturing city. In addition to its location on the banks of the Muskingum river and the C. & M. V. R. R., the Cleveland, Canton & Southern railroad has recently been completed through this place, giving two competing lines to Zanesville, fifteen miles distant. A branch canal about one mile in length connects this place with the Ohio canal, while it is but one mile from the junction of the Pan Handle system with the two other railroads mentioned. As a place of residence Dresden offers beautiful building sites, healthful surroundings and a cultivated, intelligent and progressive class of citizens. Its business interests are largely represented in special articles, while its advantages for manufacturing enterprises are possibly unsurpassed in the state. The fine shipping facilities it now enjoys, and proximity to cheap fuel, and the fact that it has water power, with coal, limestone, sandstone, iron ore and every variety of potter's clay and molding sand within easy access, commends this place for the profitable manufacture of glassware, tile, fire brick, etc.

Dresden was incorporated March 8, 1839, and its corporate limits now embrace the whole of Jefferson township. The first mayor was W. W. Brice.

This organization of the Dresden Board of Trade was effected on June 22, 1888, for the purpose of securing the growth of manufacturing and business interests of this place, in which it has been largely successful. Its meetings are held in the council chamber on the first and third Thursday evenings of each month, and all communications relating to business enterprises addressed to the secretary will receive prompt attention. The Dresden Building and Loan association is one of the most important and promising organizations of this place, and is intended to provide means of saving for all, while it contributes to securing homes to the industrious and laboring classes. It was organized April 9, 1890, and has been duly chartered, with an approved capital stock of $100,000. The officers are F. Tingler, president; John Hornung, vice-president, and the following board of directors: Frank Tingler, John Hornung, John A. Bell, J. S. Prettyman, H. J. Shore. C. E. Cross and A. E. Rambo. The public school building was erected a few years ago and is one of the most perfectly constructed edifices of its class in the county. It is a fine two-story brick structure, with all modern conveniences, situated in the center of large grounds, while the building contains eight rooms, with broad and well- lighted corridors, while the enrollment is nearly 400 pupils. The ability with which the

Dresden also has a good steam hre engine, with James Anderson as engineer, and a well organized volunteer lire department; also two new first-class hose reels. This corporation is about to erect a new town hall at a cost of not less than $1(3,000, while other important improvements are in contemplation.

The Dresden postoffice was established prior to 1800, and Laban Lemert was, if not the first postmaster, the earliest one of whom any one has any knowledge. For several years mails were received on horseback once each week. Next, a semiweekly mail line was established, and in 1832 a tri weekly line of fine Concord coaches was put upon the route. Since about 1843, mail has been received and dispatched daily, and since the acqui sition of railroads several daily mails are the rule. The present postmaster is G. W. Lemert. A private telegraph line was constructed from Zanesville to Wooster, through Dresden, in 1848, and was discontinued some years before the Western Union office was established here, which was in 1868.

Among the most important industrial enterprises of this county is the Caldwell Woolen mills, which takes its name from the town of Caldwell, where the mills were originally established in 1884. January 12, 1888, the mills at Caldwell were destroyed by fire, and in about ninety days the proprietors had secured the present plant, introduced entirely new machinery, and the concern was in active operation, with capacity and facilities for meeting the demand for their products. The company selected this place for the base of their more extensive operations. Suitable buildings were secured and additional ones erected to meet the demands of their increased force and mechanical appliances. Newest improved machinery was introduced, propelled by a fifty-horse-power engine and boiler. The Caldwell Woolen mills make a specialty of the manufacture of fine woolen skirts and skirtings, the beauty and excellence of which are unsurpassed by those of any establishment in the Union. They give employment to a force of forty operatives and assistants in the different departments of the. business, and their products are handled by leading jobbing houses of eastern and western trade centers. The individual members of the firm are J. S. Prettyman and W. H. Bush, gentlemen who bring into requisition the fullest financial and executive ability, and who, in establishment of the mills at this place, have given an impetus to its industrial interests and a broader fame to this protonsing trade center.

The Dresden Woolen mills have, for a period of a quarter of a century, held a prominent place in the productive enterprises of this section of the county. The mills are situated about a half mile east of the town, on the banks of the Muskingum river, and are fitted up with the best mechanical appliances, propelled by an overshot water wheel giving over fifty-horse power. The mills are devoted to the manufacture of cassimeres, satinet, flannels, skirts, blankets, yarns, etc., which bear a standard and uniform excellence unsurpassed by any contemporaneous establishment in the state. The highest price is paid for wool, in cash or exchange. The individual members of the firm are L.Rambo, William Senior and J. Shore, and the many years they have been associated with the business interests of this place justifies the continued consideration this company enjoys and the popular favor in which its products are held at home and in distant markets.

Up to a comparatively recent date no important change had been made in milling machinery, invented and brought into use about the time of the adoption of the Federal constitution, by Oliver Evans, of Pennsylvania. But in this, as in other departments of industry, American inventive genius saw opportunities for improvement, and as a result the roller system, or, as it is known, the gradual reduction process, was introduced. This has produced so great a change that at the present day this system is adopted by all leading and influential mills in the country. Among those milling companies which have secured a popularity on account of the uniform excellence of their products is the Dresden Milling company, which dates its organization to December 27, 1887. The building was originally erected in 1884, and equipped with newest improved machinery, operated by one seventy-eight-horse-power turbine wheel. Business was commenced November 1, 1884, under a slightly different organization, and continued until the present company assumed control at the date before given. The building is four stories and basement in hight, and 48x60 feet in dimensions, exclusive of office, and has a capacity of 125 bar- rels of choicest bakers' and family flour per day. The special brands for which this mill is known, are the "White Mountain" and "Silver Cloud," which hold the highest standard of value in all markets in which they have been introduced, and enjoy a marked popularity with the trade and with consumers. Tbe members of the present company are J. C. Dorsey, J. Walters and F. H. F. Egbert, gentlemen who combine the fullest financial, practical and business ability. Merchant grinding, custom work and exchange are engaged in, and as manufacturers of flour, meal and feed, and dealers in grain, they contribute in a marked degree to the importance of this place and to its business interests.

Among the industrial institutions of this township which give conspicuity to this place as a manufacturing and business center is the Dresden Hosiery company, which dates its establishment here to February, 1890. The members of this firm have heretofore been associated with the business interests of Zanesville, and bring into requisition the amplest financial and executive ability for the most advantageous prosecution of this important industry. They secured an excellent plant with ample buildings, and introduced the newest improved machinery, propelled by one fifteenhorse-power engine and boiler, and furnish employment to an average force of forty to fifty hands in the various departments of the business. These works are devoted to the manufacture of the best grades of men's woolen half hose, and women's, misses' and children's hose made from the best of yarns, and which, in reliability of construction and stability of colors, will bear favorable comparison with those of any contemporaneous establishment in the Union.

L. J. Lemert engaged in banking in Dresden in 1852 and he and his sons have been identified closely with the general financial interests ever since. The banking house of G. Eaton was established in 1800. The Dresden Banking company is an organization that began business here about three years since, conducting a general banking business in loans, deposits and exchange, and is entitled to the fullest public confidence. Its office is in the opera block, thoroughly furnished for the transaction of business, including a fine burglarproof, time-lock safe for the safety of deposits. Tho firm is composed of F. W. Gasche, Esq., formerly of Millersburg, Ohio, as cashier, a practical banker and book-keeper of many years' experience under State Bank Examiner J. J. Sullivan. Other members are Messrs. John A. Bell and John Hornung, gentlemen of well known honesty and integrity, whose many years' association with the business interests of this place contribute to its stability and success. The officers of the company

The Dresden "Transcript," W. M. Miller, editor and proprietor, is the legitimate successor to the " Doings," and for half a century has been instrumental in promoting the enlightenment and best interests of this section of the county. Especially since coming into the control of its present able editor and proprietor, in 1884, the paper has grown in popular favor and influence. The " Transcript" is an eight-column folio, and enjoys a liberal advertising patronage and circulation. In the quarters now occupied, the editorial and mechanical departments are on the ground floor, conveniently arranged, and the latter supplied with power presses and newest styles of type for the prompt and efficient execution of every description of commercial and general job printing.

The only postoffice in Cass township is at Preston, on the P. C. & St. L. R. R., and is known as Adams' Mills. Most of the people of Cass get their mail either at Dresden or Frazeysburg. The line mentioned, generally known as the " Pan handle," was completed through this township about forty years ago. The branch from Dresden to Zanesville was completed about 1870. The railway stations of Cass are Dresden junction and Preston. The main line of the " Panhandle " enters the township near its northeast corner and runs in nearly a straight line southeast, through Preston and Dresden junction, and passes the western border of the township about the center. The Zanesville branch intersects the main line at Dresden junction, also called Trinway. Dresden junction was surveyed by Joseph Fisher in 1873 - 74, on land owned by George W. Adams.

church, located on Chestnut street, was built in 1880, at a cost of $5,500, and a remarkable fact in this connection is that it was dedicated on the fifth Sunday in February. The first, house of worship was erected in 1836-38. The organization of this society was effected in 1819 in a log schoolhouse about a mile south of Adams' Mills, by Revs. Culbertson, Root and Smith. Methodist Episcopal church, located on Main street, was built in 1835 and rebuilt in 1852. It is a substantial brick structure, and has a seating capacity of 500. The Dresden Baptist church was organized in 1840. Rev. Mr. Eldridge was the first pastor. The church, built in 1845-46, has a seating capacity of 350. German Lutheran church of Dresden was organized in 1848. Its brick structure, located on High street, was erected in 1853. The Disciple church is a brick structure on High street, built in 1862-63. The society was formed in 1861. Elder William Taylor was the first pastor. Zion

Episcopal church was organized in 1839. The first rector was Rev. Mr. Cushman. The church was built in 1848. St. Ann Catholic church has a good congregation. Rev. Father A. A. Cush officiates. Cathechetical services Sunday p. m. Seating capacity about 150. The German Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1852. Its house of worship was erected about 1858. The first pastors were Revs. William Florika and R. M. Brownmiller.

acre of ground for a church site and graveyard. A house of worship was built more than fifty years ago. The land around the church lot was sold to Peter Marshall, who, discovering a flaw in the title to the church property, sold t lie building to Michael Schuman and it later did duty as a stable upon other ground to which it was removed. Liberty Bell Christian church was also erected about 1840, and about 1 8G3 it was sold to Thomas Fisher and by him removed and converted into a stable. The site of the building was donated by James Ogle. The church was undenominational, and its first pastor was Rev. William Bagley.

^^HIS township was taken from Jefferson town- L ship by an order of the county commissioners dated July 2, 1819. It was originally bounded on the north by the county line, on the east by Monroe and Salem townships, on the south by Washington township and on the west by the Muskingum river. The boundaries are thus described in the commissioners' journal under the above date : " Beginning on the county line, on the line dividing the sixth range, then west with the county line to the northeast corner of Jefferson township, then down the Muskingum river and with meanders thereof to the line dividing the southwest and northwest quarter of the second township in the seventh range, thence east to the line dividing the sixth and seventh ranges, thence north with the said line to the southwest corner of the third township in the sixth range, thence east to the line dividing the sixth range, thence northwest with the said line to the place of beginning." Adams township was created in December, 1826, and Madison township was thus reduced to its present limits. The township was named in honor of President James Madison. Its first election was held at the house of Martin Wheelen July 31, 1819. Elections were held at the schoolhouse on the land of William Minner, mostly, until 1848, when the townhouse was built. The first road in the township crossed the Muskingum at Bainter's ford, and ran along Symmes creek toward Adams township. George Stoner and Elizabeth Shirer were the first couple married in the township, in 1810. The lirst births were in the Bainter, Stoner and Shirer families. The first death was that of Godfrey Bainter in 1805, aged sixty years. He was buried there in the woods on the farm of his son, John Bainter, afterward known as the W. B. Carter place. The first schoolhouse is thought to have been that built on the land of Alexander Struthers, near the forks of Symmes creek. The primitive school was taught in the German language. A Mr. Decker, in 1811, was the first to teach in English. About 1813 Alexander Struthers built a gristmill on the south branch and near the forks of Symmes creek. About five years later he added a sawmill. His successors were J. N. Ingalls, William Mapes, Frederick Minner and Peter Varner. The latter was operating the gristmill, which had been enlarged and improved, as late as 1866. Valentine and David Shirer built a sawmill near the center of section 20 on the north fork of the stream about 1832 or 1833. A pair of bulirs was later put in by John Bench, thus adding a gristmill. Subsequent managers were William Gaumer and Thomas Pharis. At the state dam, in 1837, Thomas Pierce built a gristmill, the first on the Muskingum thereabouts. Later owners were Jared Cone, Charles Love, Elias Ellis and Napoleon Reinaman. Under Reinaman's proprietorship it was burned and rebuilt, and later was owned successively by George Adams and William Bice. From Bice it passed to A. G. Plummer, and then took the name of the Plummer mill. The D. F. McKinney mill, just above the mouth of Symmes creek, was built by James John and James Gibbons as a sawmill. They added a gristmill and sold the property to Lloyd Dillon. A distillery was started below the mouth of the Wakatomaka, on the river, before 1812, and a "tramp mill" for crushing grain is said to have been attached. Wood & Eberts had a furnace in operation on Symmes creek, half a mile above its mouth, about 1814-16. It was soon abandoned, however. In 1816 Daniel Milton had a blacksmith shop near the furnace. Copeland & Parmalee kept the first regular store about 1840, as is claimed by some; others say the store of Thomas Pierce, at his mill, was the first. The William Miuner pottery was established at the forks of Symmes creek in 1869. Ten years later the King & Swoope pottery was put in operation a mile above the mouth of that stream. PostofEces were established at the mouth of Symmes creek and at the residence of Thomas Armstrong in 1850, with Charles Love in charge of the first; Mr. Armstrong in charge of the last mentioned. Mr. Mapes began to make salt just below the mouth of Wills creek in 1810. James Tingle came into possession of the springs and works in 1852, and operated them until about the close of the war.

Jacob Swigert settled on the river in this township in 1800 and sold his claim to J. S. Copeland, who transferred it to John Bain ter early enough so that the latter may be called one of the pioneers. In 1801 Bainter moved to the higher land on the J. G. Stump place. The southwest quarter of section 19 on Symmes creek was entered by Wyllis Silliman, who sold it to James Sprague, a Nova Scotian, who settled on it in 1802. Valentine Shriver, a Swiss, located two years later on the northeast quarter of section 23. In 1808 George Adams, from Fauquier county, Va., settled on the southeast quarter of section 18. About this time Charles Copeland located near the mouth of Symmes creek. Adams built the Erst hewedlog house in the town. Some years later he added a frame building to it, which was the lirst frame

The first church erected in the township was the Wheelen Methodist Episcopal church in 1823. It was a hewed-log structure 24x36 feet. There is a statement in print that the Methodists had a house of this description two or three years earlier. This church organization, which was composed of many of the pioneers and their families, ceased to exist at least half a century ago. Prospect Methodist Protestant church was organized from the membership of this old church inl831 by Rev. Mr. Gilbreath. Leonard Hurdle was class leader, and meetings were held at John Walkers, until 1838, when a log church was built on land given by Mr. Hurdle. On an adjoining lot, donated in 1861 by John Stoner, a frame building was erected which was dedicated by Rev. J. C. Hazlett. Salem Methodist Protestant church was organized in 1834 by Rev. William Marshall. The class leader was John Mahan. A hewed-log church was built in 1838 a mile southeast of the mouth of Symmes creek. In 1868 a frame structure was built on the same site. As early as 1835-36 Judge Daniel Stillwell, a Presbyterian, built a church on his land in Madison township, Erst for the use of Christians of his own denomination, but open to any other when not so occupied. Rev. William Baldwin organized a Methodist Protestant class in 1868, which has worshiped here since. The Erst class leader was Samuel Hammond. St. Matthew's Protestant Episcopal church had its inception in meetings held in 1837 by Rev. William A. Smallwood, of Zanesville, in the church building Erst referr-ed to. St. Matthew's parish was organized October 22, 1838, at the house of John C. Stockton. A house of worship was erected on land given by Evan James. The corner stone was laid August 4, 1839. The cost of this building was $900. It was not completed until May, 1846, the congregation worshiping meanwhile in the old church. The Symmes Creek class of United Brethren was formed in 1846. Zachariah Adams deeded an acre of land to this organization for church purposes in 1861. A frame church was built in 1864.